Quote:
Originally Posted by PSmith08
I still say buy a used F3 and a stable of a couple lenses. Nikon's MF lenses were and are among the best ever made. They are solid and dependable. Unless you need AF, there is not much room to upgrade from the F3.
|
I have to go along with Paul's rec. if this is indeed your first film camera to learn photography with. The F3 can be had used with lens, be well within your budget and hold value for many years to come. I've kept a new F3T squirreled away in my closet, knowing that someday I may be setting it free...
The F3 has a very accurate (near 100%) and bright viewfinder, making it ideal for composition. When you get used to aperture being the priority, you'll be taking a very important step in photography (unlike the use of P-Program Mode). When you learn Depth of Field, hyperfocal distance and maximum usable aperture for a given lens with a manual camera like the F3, your next (automatic digital) camera will sing, because you have the basics down.
Lastly, the use of prime, fixed focal length lenses often forces you to move - either closer to your subject, at a different angle or further away, giving you a perspective that a zoom lens may not have required you to investigate.
I have spent many years in 35mm photography, and now with Digital SLRs, and I must say that my favorite Nikons were/are the F3, F5 and D2H (I have owned F, F2, F2AS, F3, F3T, F4, F5, F100, FM, Coolpix 5400 and D2H).
One last note: my nephew was given a manual Nikkormat by his mother last year, and because he forced himself to learn exposure and composition techniques with a MF camera, his images are truly amazing. I have not ever seen such a natural talent so early in his study of the art. I cannot help but believe that if he were to have an automatic camera he might not have given himself many creative opportunities.
Best of luck in you decision!